2025 Winmau World Masters
The Winmau World Masters is back in 2025, revitalized under the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) banner with a bold new look and a rich legacy to honour. The Masters, won last year by Stephen Bunting, will become the Winmau World Masters - adopting the name of an event which was first held in 1975 and has been won by a host of darts legends, including Eric Bristow, Dennis Priestley and Phil Taylor.
The PDC had already confirmed that the ITV4-televised tournament – introduced to the calendar in 2013 – was to become a full ranking event in 2025, being held from January 30-February 2 at Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena, featuring the addition of a fourth day of big-stage action.
The partnership between the PDC and Winmau marks a significant milestone for the sport. With an initial ten-year sponsorship deal, Winmau is committed to restoring the spirit of the iconic World Masters, a tournament that has been synonymous with darting excellence since its inception in 1975.
PDC Chief Executive Matthew Porter shared his excitement about the rebranding, highlighting how this collaboration revives the essence of one of darts' most celebrated tournaments. Winmau’s Managing Director, Vince Bluck, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of bridging generations of darting greatness and expanding the sport’s global appeal.
The History of the World Masters
The World Masters has long been a cornerstone of darts, first held in 2013. Over the decades, legends like Phil Taylor and Michael Van Gerwen have etched their names into the tournament's history.
Recent winners include:
- 2024: Stephen Bunting
- 2023: Chris Dobey
- 2022: Joe Cullen
- 2021: Jonny Clayton
- 2020: Peter Wright
As the tournament transitions into the PDC era, its legacy remains intact, with the iconic sets format retained and enhanced for the modern game.
The 2025 Winmau World Masters: Format and Structure
This year’s event sees a dramatic expansion, featuring the top 24 players from the PDC Order of Merit following the 2024/25 World Darts Championship, joined by eight qualifiers from the Preliminary Rounds.
The Preliminary Rounds, held on January 29, will feature up to 180 players from across the globe, including PDC Tour Card Holders, top players from secondary tours, and representatives from the Junior Darts Corporation. These rounds will be streamed live on PDCTV, giving fans a front-row seat to the intense competition for a coveted spot in the main event.
The main tournament, beginning January 30, will be played in a sets format, with each set comprising the best of three legs. The stakes are high, with a £500,000 prize fund and the winner taking home a massive £100,000.
What to Watch For in 2025
The 2025 Winmau World Masters promises thrilling matchups and dramatic storylines. A potential rematch between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen—following their World Darts Championship final—is a tantalising prospect.
Other top players to watch include:
- Luke Humphries
- Gerwyn Price
- Peter Wright
- Michael Smith
- Previous Winners such as Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey and Joe Cullen
- Veterans such as Gary Anderson and James Wade
With the sets format, every match is guaranteed to deliver high-stakes drama, making this one of the most unpredictable and exciting events on the calendar.
Stay tuned for updates, as we cover the Masters and unpack the days events.
